Dubrovnik a city
with a history larger than life and a beauty that beckons as a tourist
destination Dubrovnik is located at the southeastern tip of
Croatia and only a short distance from Montenegro. When
visiting Montenegro, the airport near this unforgettable city
will most likely be your first stop.

Dubrovnik is like
many Mediterranean seacoast cities with the hills in the background, the
red tile roofs of the buildings in the foreground, and the islands
offshore. This alone is enough to lure the visitor back again and again
but there is much more to this crown jewel of the Mediterranean.

The history of
Dubrovnik begins in the 7th century when barbarians wiped
out nearby Roman cities and the residents fled to the rocky inlet that
they called Laus Greek for rock. A fortress was built to
deter the attackers and the settlement increased in importance.
Eventually, the area became known as Ragusa. However, attacks
continued and the fort was strengthened. One of the legendary heroes of
Dubrovnik is Sveti Vlaho also known as Saint Blais.His image is prominent in many places throughout the fort and
the city. It is said that in the 10th century he warned of
an impending attack by sea from the powerful city-state of Vienna.
Preparations made on the basis of this warning saved the city.

The fort continued to
play an important role in the history of the area. An earthquake
destroyed it in 1667 but it was quickly rebuilt. And, finally, in
1991 and 1992, as civil war ravaged Yugoslavia, Dubrovnik was
hit hard. Thousands of shells fell on the city and the fort. A few
pock marked buildings still show the scars of shelling, however, the
major damage was to the orange tile roofs. The damaged tile was replaced
with new and brighter colored material leaving a patchwork appearance of
the old and the new. Repair work continues on some of the ancient
buildings. The guns are silent now as they look out over the waters.
The high walls reaching down to the sea provide a place for boys to
explore without fear of invading armies.

Tourist trade is
essential for the life of the city and, for the most part, life has
returned to the city and the fort. Shops, restaurants, and craftsmen
are now plentiful as are the tourists. Visitors can freely walk on top
of the thick walls, stroll along the wide avenue called the Stradun
or slip into one of the narrow alleys in the old town protected by the
walls of the fort. The markets with vendors selling produce and other
supplies are always busy. Internet cafes have also sprung up in some of
the alleyways allowing the old to connect with the new.

The Catholic Church is
prominent here inside the walls of the old city of Dubrovnik.
Worship services are still held in this large church but, for the most
part, it is just an important tourist attraction. Its large paintings
and statues attest to the skill and imagination of the artisans as well
as the devotion to the various saints. The white cross on Mount Srd
and the large ornately decorated churches tells all that Dubrovnik
remains a symbol of the Catholic religion that receives special
privileges and support from the government of Croatia.

Places for luxury boats
some private some for tour groups are safe for now as political
stability appears to be settling in through the region of Croatia,
Bosnia, and Montenegro.

When you come to
Montenegro, be sure to include a visit to Dubrovnik. Decide
for yourself what draws one back to this awakening jewel. Is it the
view? Is it the fort and the old city with its high, thick walls made
of stone? Or, is it the rich history and endearing charm that set this
place apart from the rest?

Pronunciation Guide:

Dubrovnik
DEW-brove-neek

Croatia CROW-a-sha

Laus LAW-oos

Montenegro MAHN-teh-NAY-grow

Mount Srd Mount SERD (slight
roll on the r)

Ragusa RAW-goo-saw

Sveti Vlaho SVET-ee VLAW-hoe

Stradun STRAW-dune

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